168 MUSTELAD^. 



typical structure which are necessary to fit it for its 

 aquatic and piscivorous habits. The generally elongated 

 body is much flattened horizontally ; the tail is flat and 

 broad, forming an admirable rudder ; the legs are short, 

 and so loosely articulated as to allow of their being 

 turned in every direction in the act of swimming ; the 

 feet are broad, and the toes distant and connected by a 

 complete web ; and the skin is protected by a compact 

 fur, consisting of two very diiierent kinds of hair ; — 

 the shorter being very soft and fine in its texture, to 

 preserve the body from sudden changes of temperature ; 

 and the longer, coarse, hard, and shining, which presents 

 a very smooth unresisting surface as the animal cuts 

 the water in its course. The teeth, too, though essen- 

 tially similar to those of the rest of the group, are par- 

 ticularly strong, and their tubercles very pointed, — by 

 which structure tlie animal is enabled to seize and to 

 hold securely its scaled and slippery prey. 



From this conformation it is evident that every facility, 

 consistent with the preservation of its structural relations 

 to the rest of the group, is given to the Otter for the 

 pursuit and capture of its proper food. It swims and 

 dives with great readiness, and with peculiar ease and 

 elegance of movement; and although its action on land 

 is far from being awkward and diflicult, yet it is certainly 

 in the water that the beautiful adaptation of its structure 

 to its habits is most strikingly exhibited. It swims in 

 nearly a horizontal position, and dives instantaneously 

 after the fish that may glide beneath it, or pursues it 

 under water, changing its course as the fish darts in 

 various directions to escape from it, and, when the prey 

 is secured, brings it on shore to its retreat to feed. 



As the Otter lives exclusively on fish, when it can 

 procure them, it frequents lakes, rivers, smaller streams 



